Avocado Rice

I’ve long maintained that cooking is an act of love. Sharing a meal with someone you care about is special. I’ve been alone, cooking almost exclusively for just myself, for awhile now, and I haven’t loved that. So when I started exploring a new relationship, the first thing I wanted to do was cook for the new man in my life. He’s been kind and appreciative, remarking that everything is excellent, when I’m sure he’s less than thrilled with some of my choices. But still, it’s nice. I served this quick riff on rice with Chicken Mole last week, and I’m happy we both seemed to enjoy it. Rice can be so boring it’s nice to dress it up a bit and this only takes a minute to do that.

Combine the rice and water, cover, bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cook until the water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. While the rice is cooking, mash the avocado and juice the lemon. Stir the mashed avocado and lemon juice into the rice and season with salt, pepper, and butter to taste. If you love cilantro, garnish with some chopped cilantro before serving; otherwise skip it.